Success is about ‘going for growth’

ONE of Stratford-upon-Avon’s leading business figures has told commercial leaders they have to go for growth or risk their companies failing.

Denys Shortt OBE, who has built his health and beauty distribution and manufacturing company, DCS Group, from a start-up to a turnover of £186million, was a guest speaker at the South Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Denys spoke as the Chamber rolled out its Go For Growth campaign across south Warwickshire.

Businesses were also given a guided tour of his operation in the town, which includes both manufacturing and distribution for many of the leading health and beauty brands.

“We are constantly pushing for growth and if you don’t do that you go backwards — your company will wither and die,” Denys said.

“We are always competing to increase our market share and that means we are on a constant drive to improve customer service and all areas of our operation. That’s what keeps us sharp.”

The year-long Go For Growth campaign is looking at key areas of business growth but also highlighting and campaigning on issues which could hamper commercial success for local companies in 2016.

Larry Coltman, chair of the branch, said DCS was the perfect venue for the event. “DCS is a company which has grown strongly in Stratford, bringing jobs, income and opportunity and that is what we need across the board.”